SUV Runs Off Memorial Drive Into Charles River

Related Tags:

BOSTON (CBS) – An SUV travelling on Memorial Drive drove off the road and into the Charles River late Friday morning.

The Honda Pilot went into the water around 11:21 a.m., according to State Police.

The two people inside escaped safely.

The driver told WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Carl Stevens another vehicle stopped in front him and his SUV ended up in the river.

This SUV ran off Memorial Drive and into the Charles River. (Photo by Carl Stevens-WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

Jeff Eckman, of Belmont, was canoeing with his wife and son when he saw the car careen into the river. The family sprung into action, along with a nearby sculler. The driver escaped the car and got into Eckman’s boat while the sculler helped the female passenger to the shore where police were waiting for her.

“We were all stunned at what happened. But we all jumped into action,” Eckman said.

The Honda was pulled out about 90 minutes later.

Firefighters were checking to make sure there was no environmental damage to the river.